Are you looking for a place to live that can give you and your family an incredible work-life balance? Well, who isn’t, right? With job availability, reasonable commute times, low cost of living, family-friendly communities, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained when you’re not at work, these Georgia cities should be at the top of your work-life balance list. Movoto is committed to helping you find the perfect place to work, live, and thrive, so consider these Georgia cities when searching for a new home.
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Johns Creek is an affluent suburb of Atlanta with some of the top employers, including Alcon Laboratories, Macy’s Systems and Technology, State Farm Insurance, and Emory Johns Creek Hospital. It is approximately 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, but many residents work in the surrounding areas. Some of the most affluent neighborhoods in Georgia and the country are in Johns Creek or the neighboring communities, such as Alpharetta, Roswell, and Duluth. In fact, many of Georgia’s sports, music, and television celebrities call Johns Creek home. As you might expect, home prices are a bit higher than other areas of Georgia, averaging $300,000 and up to over one million. The city is also incredibly safe due to some unique police programs and safety initiatives that involve the community residents in their security efforts. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Johns Creek was rated the second safest city in Georgia, and is consistently ranked at the top of other safety lists. Johns Creek is a family friendly community with lots of green spaces and sprawling community parks. Newtown Park features one of the top ranked dog parks in the country, an amphitheater that hosts a free Summer Concert Series, and an adaptive recreation area that provides social opportunities for disabled children and young adults. Overall, Johns Creek provides well-paying jobs, upscale neighborhoods, and a more affordable Georgia city than you might think.
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Duluth is a city approximately 25 miles north of downtown Atlanta. Interstate 85, the major highway that takes commuters to work in Atlanta and other area jobs is easily accessible from Duluth. The city is also centrally located and close to major employers, including the Gwinnett County Public School System and Health Care System. While the median household income in Duluth is approximately $60,000, nice homes in the area can range from $200,000 to $800,000 or more. This is due to the large mix of middle-class communities throughout the area, with several highly affluent areas that command higher real estate prices. However, Duluth is a close community that embraces people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and economic levels. In fact, Duluth is an international city with a large, affluent Asian community. More than a quarter of the city population is Korean, Vietnamese, and Chinese. An influx of Asian-owned businesses reinvigorated the area with new restaurants, shops, and other companies. Downtown Duluth has a popular green space area that hosts outdoor concerts, art festivals, and a large New Year’s Eve celebration. Overall, Duluth provides a good mix of cultures and big city amenities, but with a small town vibe that focuses on community engagement. With a cost of living of 108, Duluth is one of the best Georgia cities to live in that offers good job opportunities and a high quality of life.
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Suwanee is approximately 35 miles north of Atlanta and one of the most up-and-coming Georgia cities. With a low unemployment rate of 5.8 percent and a projected future job growth of nearly 38 percent, the economic outlook for Suwanee is strong. Many high-tech firms have locations in Suwanee, including Mitsubishi Electric, Hewlett-Packard, and Google. Median household incomes are $85,000, and average home prices are approximately $250,000. There are endless things to do in Suwanee to keep your work and life times balanced. With multiple green spaces and parks, the city is perfect for city dwellers who enjoy spending their off time outdoors. The crown jewel is Town Center Park, the 10-acre park that is the center of the community. Built in the middle of the city, just in front of City Hall, this park is the place to be nearly every weekend. With more than a one-mile loop of walking paths around the wide open green field, the park also features an interactive fountain, amphitheater, and recreation areas. There are events held in the park throughout the year, including Food Truck Fridays, outdoor concerts, Farmers Market, and even the Suwanee Beer Festival. Overall, Suwanee provides a relaxed environment that is close to work, making it one of the top Georgia cities for a work-life balance.
Outside of the Atlanta metro area, you can also find a work-life balance in Savannah. This coastal city is a four-hour drive from Atlanta, but if you want the full southern lifestyle, there is no place like Savannah. Featuring centuries old trees drenched in dangling Spanish moss and surrounded by Gothic-Revival architecture, it is arguably the most charming city in the south. As far as jobs are concerned, top employers include Memorial University Medical Center, the Savannah-Chatham County public school system, and Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield. With a low unemployment rate of 7.1 percent, average commute times of less than 20 minutes, and a cost of living that is almost 20 points below the national average, Savannah is one of the best Georgia cities for a happy work-life balance. Savannah is a huge tourist town, with visitors from around the world arriving every day. The city thrives on its tourism trade, which gives it added charm that is easy to enjoy when you live there as well. With trolley rides, ghost tours, antebellum architecture, and River Street activities, you will never get bored in Savannah. Housing is reasonable, with the median home costing less than $100,000. Overall, Savannah is one of the best Georgia cities you can live in that has a high quality of life, job opportunities, and will provide a unique work-life balance for anyone who loves southern living and charm.
